Woman's body to be sent to Newcastle for post mortem

UPDATE 12.30pm: POLICE have launched an investigation after the body of a woman was found in bush at Goonellabah last night.

Lismore police acting Inspector Russell Ewing said about 8:30pm officers investigating the whereabouts of a missing person received information last night about a woman who was last seen on Ballina Road near Kadina St.

"That's where the woman was last seen and police attended that location," he said.

Act Insp Ewing said police found the body of a 39-year-old woman in bushland, just north of the Kadina St pedestrian footbridge.

He said the deceased woman was definitely not 54-year-old Ellen Wilson, who was last seen on Friday, September 11, at Ballina's Australian Hotel.

A crime scene was established, which was examined by specialist forensic officers, and investigations are continuing.

Woman's body found at Goonellabah:
The scene where a woman's body was found last night. Ballina Road, near Kadina Road, Goonellabah.

When the woman's body was discovered, act Insp Ewing said there were no obvious signs of the cause of death.

He would not comment on whether the woman's body was fully clothed when it was found.

"The woman has not been formally identified and a post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death," act Insp Ewing said.

"We know who it is however she hasn't yet been formally identified so hence we can't release any further details at this stage."

Despite rumours, act Insp Ewing said the body was not found in plastic bags on the road side.

It is anticipated the woman's body will be taken for a coronial examination today.

"The coroner has to make and order for that to happen, which will probably be today," act Insp Ewing said.

"Then the body will go down to Newcastle where they will conduct a post mortem to determine to cause of death.

"Police are continuing to make enquiries to formally identify the body."

Anyone with any information is urged to call Lismore police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

INITIAL REPORT: POLICE are investigating the circumstances after the discovery of a body in bushland at Goonellabah last night.

About 8.30pm officers from Richmond Local Area Command were investigating the whereabouts of a missing woman.

Police made their way to Ballina Road, Goonellabah, and located the body of a woman.

A crime scene has been established and examined by specialist forensic officers.

Investigations are continuing, the woman has not been formally identified.

A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/